Dear Catholic Exchange:
I am wondering what the godparents job is? I wonder if they are only for in case of death, to help, or if during my son’s life, should his godparents play a part in his religious formation? Should they try to guide him, should they make sure he is going to church, and should they pray with him? I have tried to find a guide for godparents but some simple suggestions or a link would be very helpful. Should God parents send cards or letters to ensure he is part of their life? I have contact with my son’s godparents only a few times a year. Should they be checking on him? I am confused as to their job. If they do not recognize they have a role in his religious upbringing, do I need to have him rebaptized? With only one baptism, do I have to face I chose poor godparents?
Thank you,
Margaret Wagner
Dear Ms. Wagner,
Your concern for the spiritual well-being of your son is admirable. Children have a great need for both teachers and examples of Christian living while they are growing up.
It is important to bear in mind that while the Catholic Church certainly encourages godparents and affirms the role they play in a child’s upbringing, this important function is not restricted to a child’s godparent(s). In other words, it is not necessary to hold the position of godparent in order to provide an example of faith in leading a Christian life. The Church recognizes that all Christian family and friends may be a positive influence on a child’s faith.
Your concern in the matter indicates that you have an appreciation of the importance your own role in the spiritual formation of your son. The Church teaches in the Declaration on Christian Education that it is the parents who bear the primary responsibility as educators and evangelizers of their children (cf. no. 3; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2221, 2225-2226). Thus, if a situation exists in which a godparent has gone astray and is no longer a good role model for a child or is uninvolved in your child’s life, a child is certainly not doomed. The parents of the child are to be involved, and they can also allow other faithful Catholics to help nurture their child’s faith. As the Catechism states:
“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized — child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism” (no. 1255).Finally, you asked whether the choice of poor godparents necessitated the re-baptism of your son. While the role of the godparent is important, the validity of the sacrament of Baptism is not dependent on the presence nor the quality of the godparents. And the Church teaches that baptism, if validly performed, cannot be repeated (Catechism, no. 1272).
In summary, the godparent of a baptized person has a truly important role in the life of the individual. However, if a godparent fails to fulfill his/her duty in the spiritual formation of the individual, this role may be fulfilled by other family members and friends, and especially by the parents. The Church states: “The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute” [Pope Paul VI, Gravissimum Educationis, October 28, 1965, no. 3; cf. Catechism, no. 2221).
United in the Faith,
Kathleen Rohan
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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